Quick Answer: Oxford offers world-class engineering programs at University of Oxford (fees: £37,510/year, entry: AAA*) and Oxford Brookes University (fees: £15,500/year, entry: BBB). Engineering graduates in Oxford earn average starting salaries of £28,000-£35,000, with excellent career prospects in aerospace, automotive, and tech sectors.

Why Study Engineering in Oxford?

Oxford stands as one of the world's premier destinations for engineering education, combining centuries of academic excellence with cutting-edge research facilities. The city hosts two major universities offering comprehensive engineering programs, attracting over 3,500 international engineering students annually. With its rich industrial heritage and proximity to London's tech sector, Oxford provides an ideal environment for aspiring engineers to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Studying engineering in Oxford offers unparalleled opportunities for research collaboration, industry partnerships, and access to state-of-the-art laboratories. The city's strong connections to major engineering firms like Rolls-Royce, BMW Mini, and numerous aerospace companies create excellent networking and internship opportunities for students.

Top Universities for Engineering in Oxford

University of Oxford - Department of Engineering Science

The University of Oxford's Engineering Science program consistently ranks among the top 5 globally, offering a unique four-year MEng degree that combines broad engineering principles with specialized knowledge. The program covers mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, biomedical, and information engineering, providing students with exceptional flexibility in their career paths.

Key Features:

• Small tutorial groups with world-renowned academics
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities worth over £200 million
• Strong industry partnerships with companies like Dyson and McLaren
• 95% graduate employment rate within six months

Oxford Brookes University - School of Engineering

Oxford Brookes offers practical, industry-focused engineering programs with strong emphasis on employability and real-world applications. The university provides excellent value for international students while maintaining high academic standards and modern facilities.

Key Programs:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Motorsport Engineering
• Robotics Engineering
• Sustainable Engineering

Engineering Program Requirements and Fees

University of Oxford Requirements

• A-Levels: AAA* including Mathematics and Physics
• IB: 40+ points with 7 in Higher Level Mathematics and Physics
• IELTS: 7.5 overall (7.0 in each component)
• Additional: MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) required
• Interview: Mandatory for all applicants

Annual Fees (2026-2027):

• International students: £37,510
• Accommodation: £8,000-£12,000
• Living costs: £12,000-£15,000

Oxford Brookes University Requirements

• A-Levels: BBB-ABB including Mathematics and Science subject
• IB: 31-33 points
• IELTS: 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component)
• Foundation: Available for international students

Annual Fees (2026-2027):

• International students: £15,500
• Accommodation: £6,500-£9,000
• Living costs: £10,000-£13,000

If you're considering other engineering programs across the UK, you can explore courses to compare different universities and specializations that might suit your interests and budget.

Career Prospects and Graduate Outcomes

Engineering graduates from Oxford universities enjoy exceptional career prospects, with starting salaries ranging from £28,000 to £45,000 depending on specialization and employer. The strong industry connections in Oxford's engineering sector, particularly in automotive and aerospace, provide graduates with direct pathways to leading companies.

Top Employment Sectors:

• Aerospace and Defense (25% of graduates)
• Automotive Engineering (20%)
• Technology and Software (18%)
• Consulting and Finance (15%)
• Energy and Utilities (12%)
• Manufacturing (10%)

Major Graduate Employers:

• Rolls-Royce
• BMW Group
• Airbus
• Dyson
• McLaren
• BAE Systems
• Siemens
• Accenture

Living in Oxford as an Engineering Student

Accommodation Options

Oxford offers diverse accommodation choices for engineering students, from university halls to private rentals. Most first-year international students secure places in university accommodation, with costs varying significantly between institutions.

University of Oxford Colleges:

• Guaranteed accommodation for international students
• Traditional college experience with formal halls
• Costs: £8,000-£12,000 per academic year
• Include utilities and internet

Oxford Brookes Accommodation:

• Modern student villages with en-suite facilities
• Self-catered and catered options available
• Costs: £6,500-£9,000 per academic year
• Close to engineering facilities and city center

Cost of Living and Student Budget

Oxford's cost of living is higher than many UK cities but remains manageable with proper budgeting. Engineering students typically spend £1,200-£1,500 monthly on living expenses, including accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Accommodation: £650-£950
• Food and groceries: £250-£350
• Transport: £40-£60 (student discounts available)
• Books and materials: £50-£80
• Entertainment and social: £100-£200
• Personal expenses: £80-£120

Transportation and Campus Life

Oxford's compact size makes it ideal for cycling, with dedicated bike lanes connecting university campuses, libraries, and student accommodation. The city's excellent public transport system includes buses serving all major areas, while London is just one hour away by train.

Transportation Options:

• Cycling: Most popular among students (free bike parking)
• Oxford Bus Company: Student discounts available
• Rail connections: Direct services to London, Birmingham, and other major cities
• Walking: Most university facilities within 20-minute walk

Research Opportunities and Innovation

Oxford's engineering departments lead groundbreaking research in renewable energy, robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable materials. International students can participate in research projects from their second year, gaining valuable experience and potential publication opportunities.

Current Research Areas:

• Autonomous vehicle technology
• Renewable energy systems
• Biomedical engineering innovations
• Advanced manufacturing techniques
• Environmental sustainability solutions

Research Funding:

• Over £50 million annual research funding
• Partnerships with industry leaders
• EU Horizon Europe program participation
• International collaboration opportunities

Application Process and Timeline

The application process for engineering programs in Oxford requires careful planning and early preparation, particularly for international students. University of Oxford applications must be submitted through UCAS by October 15th, while Oxford Brookes accepts applications until June for September entry.

Key Application Deadlines (2026 Entry):

• University of Oxford: October 15, 2025
• Oxford Brookes: June 30, 2026 (recommended: March 2026)
• Visa applications: Allow 3-4 months processing time
• Accommodation applications: March-May 2026

Conclusion

Engineering in Oxford provides international students with world-class education, excellent career prospects, and an enriching cultural experience. Whether choosing the prestigious University of Oxford or the practical approach at Oxford Brookes, students gain access to exceptional facilities, industry connections, and a supportive academic environment that prepares them for successful engineering careers.

Key Statistics

📊 Oxford hosts 3,500+ international engineering students annually across both universities

💰 Engineering graduates earn £28,000-£45,000 starting salaries with 95% employment rate

🎓 University of Oxford Engineering consistently ranks in global top 5 university programs

📈 Over £50 million invested annually in engineering research facilities and projects

🏠 Student accommodation costs range £6,500-£12,000 per year depending on university choice

🚀 25% of Oxford engineering graduates work in aerospace and defense industries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for engineering programs in Oxford universities?

For University of Oxford, apply through UCAS by October 15th, complete the MAT test, and attend an interview. Oxford Brookes applications are also through UCAS with deadlines until June. Both require strong mathematics and science backgrounds, with Oxford requiring AAA* and Brookes requiring BBB-ABB. International students should start applications 12-18 months early to allow time for English language tests and visa processing.

What is the difference between engineering programs at Oxford's two universities?

University of Oxford offers a prestigious 4-year MEng in Engineering Science with broad coverage and research focus, requiring AAA* and costing £37,510 annually. Oxford Brookes provides specialized 3-year BEng programs with industry focus, requiring BBB-ABB and costing £15,500 annually. Oxford has smaller tutorial classes and world-renowned research, while Brookes emphasizes practical skills and employability with modern facilities.

How much does it cost to study engineering in Oxford including living expenses?

Total annual costs range from £32,000-£37,000 at Oxford Brookes to £57,510-£64,510 at University of Oxford. This includes tuition fees (£15,500-£37,510), accommodation (£6,500-£12,000), and living expenses (£10,000-£15,000). Monthly living costs average £1,200-£1,500, with accommodation being the largest expense. Students can reduce costs through university accommodation and student discounts.

What career opportunities are available for engineering graduates in Oxford?

Oxford engineering graduates have excellent career prospects with 95% employment rates and starting salaries of £28,000-£45,000. Major employers include Rolls-Royce, BMW, Airbus, Dyson, and McLaren. Key sectors are aerospace (25%), automotive (20%), technology (18%), consulting (15%), and energy (12%). The proximity to London's financial sector and Oxford's research companies provides diverse opportunities in both traditional engineering and emerging technologies.

What are the English language requirements for international engineering students?

University of Oxford requires IELTS 7.5 overall with minimum 7.0 in each component, while Oxford Brookes requires IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each component. Alternative English tests like TOEFL are accepted with equivalent scores. Students not meeting requirements can take pre-sessional English courses offered by both universities. Some students may be exempt if they studied in English-speaking countries or completed A-levels in English.

How competitive is admission to engineering programs in Oxford?

University of Oxford Engineering is highly competitive with approximately 10% acceptance rate, requiring AAA*, MAT test performance, and successful interviews. Oxford Brookes is more accessible with 60-70% acceptance rates for qualified applicants meeting BBB-ABB requirements. Both universities value strong mathematics and physics backgrounds, relevant work experience, and demonstrated interest in engineering through projects or competitions. Early application submission significantly improves admission chances.

Key Takeaways

✅ Oxford offers two excellent engineering options: prestigious University of Oxford (£37,510) and practical Oxford Brookes (£15,500)

✅ Engineering graduates achieve 95% employment rates with starting salaries ranging £28,000-£45,000 annually

✅ Total annual costs range £32,000-£64,510 including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses

✅ Strong industry connections provide internship and career opportunities with major companies like Rolls-Royce and BMW

✅ Application deadlines vary significantly: Oxford by October 15th, Brookes until June with early application recommended

✅ Both universities offer excellent research opportunities and modern facilities worth over £50 million annually

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